. >> so that begs the question, hall. how are other countries preparing for this really precarious situation and one in which they really have no control. >> well, martin, there's not much they can do to prepare. what will happen, if the fiscal cliff turns out to take place, is that we'll start to see the economy beginning to slide. the first thing that has happened already is that a lot of small businesses and other companies have been holding back on spending, and on hiring people. because they're worried about the tax rate increase. but starting in january 1st, we're going to start seeing things like payroll taxes going up, we're going to see other taxes starting to come into place that will be very difficult for some people. but that's only the beginning. in february, we're going to have to deal with the debt crisis. and the debt ceiling. and that's going to be an issue that will make the economy even more unstable. and by may and april, we're going to start to see things like estimated taxes increase and the governme